Things to do in Newark

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Newark

Types of activities

Where to stay

Newark travel guide

Downtown Newark featuring a city, outdoor art and a square or plaza

Downtown Newark showing a square or plaza, outdoor art and heritage architecture

New Jersey Performing Arts Center featuring theatre scenes, modern architecture and interior views

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What to do in Newark

Popular places to visit

Prudential Center

See everything from electrifying hockey games and huge musical concerts to monster truck rallies and children’s shows at The Rock.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Come for a night at the theater and be dazzled by a Grammy Award-winning symphony orchestra, an international ballet company or a famous rock group.

Pleasantdale Chateau

You can learn about the history of West Orange with a stop at Pleasantdale Chateau. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Branch Brook Park

The largest park in the “Garden State” features lakes, waterways, forests, meadows and a spectacular cherry blossom festival in spring.

Montclair Art Museum

Use the audio guide to learn about historic and modern Native American art and sip wine at a live music event.

Military Park

Inspect the array of military sculptures and see the sword from above in this scenic park in the downtown area.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

You can search for that perfect souvenir at The Mills at Jersey Gardens during your stay in Elizabeth. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Sports Illustrated Stadium

Catch an event at Sports Illustrated Stadium during your trip to Harrison. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Seton Hall University

Walk around the campus at Seton Hall University during your visit to South Orange. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Areas of Newark

Downtown Newark

3.5/5(13 area reviews)

Join local residents at a fun event, look around the impressive city hall and admire the statues and flowers in Military Park.

North Ironbound

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in North Ironbound and surrounding area, you can visit Sports Illustrated Stadium and Prudential Center.

West Side

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in West Side, Lincoln Park Tennis Center and Mana Contemporary are top sights worth seeing.

Ironbound District

While Ironbound District isn't home to many top sights, Prudential Center and Sports Illustrated Stadium are some notable places to visit nearby.

Newark showing landscape views, a skyscraper and a city

Central Ward

If you're spending time in Central Ward, check out sights like Prudential Center or New Jersey Performing Arts Center and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Warren Street Station or Norfolk Street Station.

Newark Central Business District

While you're in Newark Central Business District, take in top sights like New Jersey Performing Arts Center or Prudential Center, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Military Park Station or Washington Street Station.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Edison

Liberty State Park featuring night scenes, a city and general coastal views

Jersey City

Florham Park

Staten Island

Woodbridge

New York

Frequently asked questions

Is Newark worth visiting?

One of the most popular things to do in Newark is visit American Dream. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's festivals and culture.

How do I spend a day in Newark?

When you've checked off major attractions like American Dream and DreamWorks Water Park, spend the rest of your day experiencing Newark's retail and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Newark?

American Dream is one of the top tourist attractions in Newark and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Newark?

Three days in Newark is plenty of time to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Turtle Back Zoo, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Loew's Jersey Theatre are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like New York.

Is Newark a walkable city?

With exciting neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Newark is a good destination to experience on foot. Wander between Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and African Art Museum of the Society of African Missions. Then take a stroll through Newark Central Business District, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Ironbound District, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Newark with kids?

Planning what to do in Newark with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Newark for adults?

There are lots of things to do in Newark, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Washington Street or The Manor.

Are there free things to do in Newark?

In Newark, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a top spot for anyone planning to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Newark.

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